ABC Check: Air, Brakes and Chain Before You Ride

A three-step quick check (air, brakes, chain) done in pairs before anyone rides. It blends a gentle warm-up with the habit of checking the bike and helmet.

How to play

1. Ankle, knee, hip and wrist mobility standing next to the bike (2 min).
2. In pairs, the A check for air: press each tire with your thumb; if it gives, note it to pump later (2 min).
3. The B check for brakes: push the bike with each brake squeezed; the wheel should not turn (2 min).
4. The C check for chain: spin the pedal backward and listen for grinding or skipping; your partner checks your helmet (2 min).
5. Two easy laps of the cone rectangle with a gentle stop at the marked corner (2 min).

Rules

• Nobody rides without passing the ABC check and with a buckled helmet.
• A bike with a faulty brake stays parked until it is fixed.
• During the check, the bike is propped up or held, never lying in the walkway.
• During the laps, everyone rides the same direction with no passing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: check by touch and sound while the partner describes each part.
• Students without a bike: act as official inspector for two bikes with a checklist and ride in the second round.
• Students with limited leg mobility: check the bike propped on a bench at waist height.

Learning goals

• Memorize the ABC routine before riding.
• Check a classmate's helmet fit.
• Raise heart rate and loosen joints gradually.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bicycles: 15
• helmets: 30
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Tape an 'A-B-C' card to each handlebar for the first few sessions. Students bring bikes with a signed permission slip, or borrow them from the city or local police; if you are short, pairs take turns.

More activities like this

More warm-ups for Middle School